Getting a rope over a tree branch

[GreyCat]

I am after some ideas for getting a thin rope over a branch of mature oak tree.

The other half wants to sling an amateur radio antenna wire from a tree. He has an idea (apparently seen stuff about) using a catapult and a tennis ball....

Any thoughts on catapults and other ideas for this? It's a bit high for a simple throw line.

(No, don't mention drones, I have already discounted that one, drones don't like carrying things and definately dont' like trees).

Thanks in advance,
GC

 

[Chris]

Something heavy-ish in a bag, tie some line around the bag, spin it around in circles like a lasso (not above your head, to your side in vertical circles) and let go at the right moment to fling it up over the branch.

 

[Toddy]

Bow and arrow.....one of the blunts. The heavier weight on the front helps the arrow drop down through the branches. Just use string on it to start with....uncoil a 'lot' more than you think it'll need. You can use thread pulled from paracord to get a thin line up there.

 

[Broch]

I've always had success using a bow and arrow - it can be quite crude as long as the line is light.

 

[Broch]

sorry, cross post

 

[Billy-o]

Fishing rod? You know, cast a line over. Sounds like it'll be fun whatever

 

[slowworm]

I've used the long pole of my pole pruner. Rope attached to the top in such a way you can leave it over a branch and hook it off the other side. I just made a Y-shaped tool from an old branch.

I'm considering using drain rods when I need to get higher, old cane ones as they are less bendy than modern plastic.

Even if you throw a rope up a long pole can be useful in pulling the end down.

I wouldnt mind a set of Aus poles but can't justify the cost at the mo.

 

[TeeDee]

What height are we talking ??

 

[TLM]

Attach the rope to your belt, climb the tree then drop the rope over the branch. Why make it overly complicated.

 

[stonepark]

Rope throw bag.... But use string in a lighter bag, 6oz fishing weight spun up to speed and let go can be quite accurate.

 

[Pattree]

I used to put up a tree swing for the children each year.

I’ve always used a flightless and point free “arrow” (just 60cm of 8mm steel tube) fired from an old milbro catapult. It pulled a fine cord. That was tied onto the 14mm polyprop tree swing rope which we hauled up afterwards.

The branch was about 10 metres up.

Edited to add:
Agree with @Toddy .

Have your light heaving line just folded loosely in a bucket. Don’t try and fire it from a reel.

 

[forrestdweller]

i used a slingshot to launch a sinker with attached line; make sure you wear eye protection (in case of ricochet) and there's nothing behind you don't want to hit!

 

[HillBill]

Just tie something heavy to it. Swing and lob, spin and lob. Fishing rod and reel, makes mates with a squirrel? Bows will work, if you have one...A ladder? Grandchildren? Amazon prime? (just mention it in the delivery notes)

 

[Nice65]

Lot of people missing this bit from @GreyCat..

"It's a bit high for a simple throw line.'

Catapult with a fishing weight attached to a spool of line, bow, or crossbow seem to be the obvious options. If you have a reel and rod, then use its ability to unspool line quickly by having someone hold it while you catapult the weight over the branch.

 

[Harold Godwinson]

How high though. Too high for a ladder?

Small dry bag filled with wet sand.

 

[HillBill]

Lot of people missing this bit from @GreyCat..

"It's a bit high for a simple throw line.'

Catapult with a fishing weight attached to a spool of line, bow, or crossbow seem to be the obvious options. If you have a reel and rod, then use its ability to unspool line quickly by having someone hold it while you catapult the weight over the branch.

We probably all saw it, yet.. we are all wannabe comedians. Have you learnt nothing about the folk who inhabit ALL spaces on the internet? lol

What he needs is a friendly tree surgeon, with the correct crampons and straps, and who wont charge £200 'just to have a look'.

 

[Nice65]

We probably all saw it, yet.. we are all wannabe comedians. Have you learnt nothing about the folk who inhabit ALL spaces on the internet? lol

What he needs is a friendly tree surgeon, with the correct crampons and straps, and who wont charge £200 'just to have a look'.

Yeah, yeah, I know

Fairly sure "he" is she btw. Tree surgeons only use spikes on trees being felled if that's what you mean by crampons. They're highly damaging to the tree, opening wounds for infection. A tree surgeon would likely use a throwing line or other means to do what GC needs to do. Plus, I'm getting she's hoping for a fairly simple and swift homemade solution rather than our typical blokes overthinking everything solutions?

 

[HillBill]

Yeah, yeah, I know

Fairly sure "he" is she btw. Tree surgeons only use spikes on trees being felled if that's what you mean by crampons. They're highly damaging to the tree, opening wounds for infection. A tree surgeon would likely use a throwing line or other means to do what GC needs to do. Plus, I'm getting she's hoping for a fairly simple and swift homemade solution rather than our typical blokes overthinking everything solutions?

Yeah, fair enough mate. And if he is really she, she has my apologies for my presumption.

If a tree surgeon can just use a throw line, so can she/ a male friend?
I do over think. To the point where if it was so easy/straight forward to begin with, that i didn't think of it. I just assumed it had already been thought of. My bad.

Hope you're well mate.

 

[TLM]

A bow fishing setup with heavy solid fiberglass arrow would be good to some tens of meters.

 

[William_Montgomery]

This may, or may not be of any use. But, apparently there's this bloke.....